The Reason : A Novel

WHAT DOES GOD LOOK LIKE?

Welcome to southeast Michigan and the small town of Carlson where faith, hope, and struggle are defined by the different faces of those who live there. An addict that sits at a bar to forget.

A mother whose five-year-old boy has leukemia. Two doctors. An atheist haunted by his past and a brilliant young oncologist that places all her hope in the power of modern medicine. A blind pastor whose son hasn’t spoken a single word in thirty-eight years. 

But the minister sees by faith. He knows there are answers and believes that someone who cares is watching—someone with a greater purpose. Yet there is something he doesn’t know... that none of them know. In the midst of the ordinary and the devastat- ing, there is a reason these lives will be changed forever. Lightning is about to strike.

The Reason opens with a thunderbolt and never lets up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with questions: Where is God when bad things happen? Does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound readers while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, and to believe. 

“The thrumming question of faith—how can there be a good God in a world so full of pain beats at the core of the book. A page turner that is not easy to put down. By the end of The Reason, you will understand that question in an entirely new way.

- Kay Campbell, The Huntsville Times

“Sirls sets the narrative hook deep with intriguing characters and a multi-layered plot that asks you to ‘only believe’ when everything else tells you not to. Prepare to laugh! Prepare to cry! Prepare to be inspired and renewed!”

- Gail Welborn, Midwest Book Reviews

“Readers everywhere will identify with these characters’ experiences. An incredible story of second chances and seeing the bright light of Christ shine through in the darkest hour. William is using his own second chance at life to remind us of God’s love. This is a must-read for anyone who needs a reminder of what God asks of us: only believe.”

- Pete Wilson, pastor and author of Plan B and Empty Promises
 

“The Reason will serve to fortify your faith and reassure you of God’s constant love and incredible power. If you are not yet a believer, this book will open your eyes to the possibilities of God that can manifest in any and every part of our lives.”

- Chris Sonksen, lead pastor of South Hills Church, founder of Celera Church Strategy Group, author of In Search of Higher Ground and Handshake
 

“The Reason will serve as a reminder that God wants us to do our part, to only believe, and to leave the outcome (good or not) to Him because He, ultimately, always knows what’s best!”

- Jacqueline Lynch, associate pastor, Loma Linda University Church
 

“While I love to read, I’m generally not into Christian fiction. The Reason is an exception. It is a gritty story about everyday people who are believable and easy to relate with. It had me both laughing and crying at times as a good book should. I would recommend it to both believers and non-believers alike, but non-believers—be cautioned. You may have to really rethink and question why you don’t believe in the God of the Bible.”

- Mark Drew, California Baptist University
 

“Of Mice and Men meets Brian’s Song. The Reason is a powerful story that delivers message after message.”

-Thomas Lane